4 answers
Genesis
Student
1
Question
Updated
1004 views
How did you decide in pursuing as a psychologist or LCSW despite the lack of career options at the start or struggles?
Hello I am a junior in high school currently in a program where I am getting my associate arts degree (A.A) when I graduate. I’ve been interested in psychology. As I been doing research since the end of sophomore year. I’m currently undecided whether pursuing as a psychologist or a LCSW as I heard it is far less limiting in the field than a psychologist. As it’s more accessible for patients to go to a LCSW and better to be in a private practice. But I’m not sure because I love psychology. However I would want to be able to have a career that I am passionate about and is a stable job (money wise). I plan to do more school after a bachelors to be able to be a psychologist. I’m just worried that I won’t be able to find a job after bachelors to help sustain myself while being in grad school,etc. It’s just lots of worries about that and for paying it all back after doing more school. I need advice or help if anyone is currently a psychologist or in the career field of psychology/lcsw. Or if you were in my position before!!
Login to comment
4 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
101
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
You've asked a great question, and it's clear you're already thinking about things in a smart way. Many people in psychology or social work worry about money, job stability, and the long journey, so you're not alone in feeling unsure.
You don't have to decide between being a psychologist or an LCSW yet. Both paths often start with similar studies, so your current education can keep both options open. LCSWs often have more job flexibility and are easier for clients to reach, especially in community settings. Psychologists tend to do more testing, research, and specialized therapy, but the path is longer and more competitive. Both careers help people in different ways.
Worrying about supporting yourself during grad school is normal. Many people work in roles like case management, behavioral health tech, research assistant, or youth services while studying. These jobs often don’t need a graduate degree and can give you experience and income. Keep in mind that many psychology careers really start after grad school, so feeling limited with just a bachelor’s is normal and temporary.
What's most important is finding a path that matches what you care about and how you want to live. If you love psychology but want more flexibility and stability, an LCSW can be a great choice, allowing you to do therapy and even private practice. If you're interested in deeper assessment, research, or specialization and are okay with a longer journey, psychology might be worth it. You don't need to have it all figured out now. Keep learning, try to shadow professionals, talk to people in both fields, and remember that understanding often comes with more experience.
You don't have to decide between being a psychologist or an LCSW yet. Both paths often start with similar studies, so your current education can keep both options open. LCSWs often have more job flexibility and are easier for clients to reach, especially in community settings. Psychologists tend to do more testing, research, and specialized therapy, but the path is longer and more competitive. Both careers help people in different ways.
Worrying about supporting yourself during grad school is normal. Many people work in roles like case management, behavioral health tech, research assistant, or youth services while studying. These jobs often don’t need a graduate degree and can give you experience and income. Keep in mind that many psychology careers really start after grad school, so feeling limited with just a bachelor’s is normal and temporary.
What's most important is finding a path that matches what you care about and how you want to live. If you love psychology but want more flexibility and stability, an LCSW can be a great choice, allowing you to do therapy and even private practice. If you're interested in deeper assessment, research, or specialization and are okay with a longer journey, psychology might be worth it. You don't need to have it all figured out now. Keep learning, try to shadow professionals, talk to people in both fields, and remember that understanding often comes with more experience.
Mrinalini K
Project manager
21
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi Genesis, it’s great that you have plans and a passion for your future career. Follow what you love, and things will fall into place. Doing something you enjoy is far better than regretting a choice later. Trust yourself, and the money will come happily.
David Crighton
7
Answers
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi , I got my undergraduate degree in. Social Work with an emphasis in psychology and got a job with in 3 months of graduation as a counselour in a center of emotionally disturbed children. Eventhough that was long ago, I dont think you will have a problem . Also, Look for a college program that includes counseling with students Also look into doing volunteer work in social, psychology, or wellfare centers in your community. These experiences will position you well and help you be surer about you career direction.
To that point, please note I found that by working in two successive counselour positions (the one above and another in a hospital Psych unit, I found that this path did not suit me I started working in business as a salesman and then a manager of salesmen. What I found out about myself was that I enjoyed working with and managing(helping) employees. So after doing some research I found I could combine my psychology and business interests by getting a Masters in Organizational Psychology. I did that and got my next job as a Management Trainer. My career blossomed into the field. of Organizational Development and Training in individual contributor, and leadership positions and later an executive coaching practice. I enjoyed all of it through all it ups and downs .
My best to you, it. will all work out:)
David
To that point, please note I found that by working in two successive counselour positions (the one above and another in a hospital Psych unit, I found that this path did not suit me I started working in business as a salesman and then a manager of salesmen. What I found out about myself was that I enjoyed working with and managing(helping) employees. So after doing some research I found I could combine my psychology and business interests by getting a Masters in Organizational Psychology. I did that and got my next job as a Management Trainer. My career blossomed into the field. of Organizational Development and Training in individual contributor, and leadership positions and later an executive coaching practice. I enjoyed all of it through all it ups and downs .
My best to you, it. will all work out:)
David
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1209
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Genesis,
First, I want to be clear: I know you're approaching this with maturity, not fear, because you're considering long-term results, cost, stability, and purpose at this early stage. The concerns you are mentioning are quite real, and practically everyone who pursues a career in social work or psychology has been in your shoes.
Let me begin with something reassuring. It's not necessary to "lock in" psychologist vs. LCSW at this time. In fact, a lot of people who finally choose to pursue careers as LCSWs or psychologists do not make a firm decision until they are completing or have completed their bachelor's degree. Your associate's degree and bachelor's degree will keep both pathways open because psychology is a large field.
Without sugarcoating anything, here is the real difference between the two options. A career in psychology usually involves more years of education, more research training, and a narrower license, but it also commonly leads to deeper specialization and more income potential in the future. The path is lengthier and more expensive up front, but it's highly satisfying for those who enjoy theory, evaluation, and in-depth clinical practice.
In addition to being more flexible and practice-oriented, an LCSW career often leads to paid clinical work more quickly. LCSWs can work in a variety of settings, are in great demand, and have a very realistic private practice. People sometimes claim that it is "less limiting" because social work licenses are more marketable than psychology licenses, not because psychology is less employable.
After earning a bachelor's degree, you may be worried about how you'll sustain yourself. This is a common emotional issue for many students. In truth, a lot of psychology majors do not immediately find jobs as "psychologists" following their bachelor's degree, and that is acceptable. While applying to or enrolled in graduate school, many hold positions such as mental health aide, research assistant, case manager, youth worker, school support staff, or behavioral health technician. These positions are useful, help students build their resumes, and can often be flexible, even though they don't necessarily pay very much.
The order in which you make your decisions is what counts most. A smart plan looks like this:
- Major in psychology (or a closely related field) for your bachelor’s degree
- Get hands-on experience working with people during college
- Use that experience to clarify whether you prefer clinical depth (psychologist) or applied, flexible practice (LCSW)
- Choose graduate school after you’ve tested the work, not just imagined it
Regarding finances and debts, you're smart to plan ahead. Some graduate programs in psychology are competitive and costly, but many social work programs provide more paid placements, employer tuition assistance, or more transparent sources of finance. When the time comes, you should carefully compare programs, but that doesn't mean psychology is "wrong."
Also, becoming an LCSW doesn't cancel out your love for psychology. With a strong foundation in psychological theory, many LCSWs provide treatment on a daily basis. The main difference lies in the structure of training and licensing, not in caring about the mind.
This is the one mindset shift I want you to take away: your first degree is for exploring, not making a commitment. You are taking responsibility for your actions; you are not falling behind or being naïve by worrying.
You're asking the same questions that thoughtful experts had before selecting this area of study. Step by step, get experience in addition to your education, and have faith that clarity will come from action rather than from making all the decisions at once. You’re on a solid path.
Best wishes!
First, I want to be clear: I know you're approaching this with maturity, not fear, because you're considering long-term results, cost, stability, and purpose at this early stage. The concerns you are mentioning are quite real, and practically everyone who pursues a career in social work or psychology has been in your shoes.
Let me begin with something reassuring. It's not necessary to "lock in" psychologist vs. LCSW at this time. In fact, a lot of people who finally choose to pursue careers as LCSWs or psychologists do not make a firm decision until they are completing or have completed their bachelor's degree. Your associate's degree and bachelor's degree will keep both pathways open because psychology is a large field.
Without sugarcoating anything, here is the real difference between the two options. A career in psychology usually involves more years of education, more research training, and a narrower license, but it also commonly leads to deeper specialization and more income potential in the future. The path is lengthier and more expensive up front, but it's highly satisfying for those who enjoy theory, evaluation, and in-depth clinical practice.
In addition to being more flexible and practice-oriented, an LCSW career often leads to paid clinical work more quickly. LCSWs can work in a variety of settings, are in great demand, and have a very realistic private practice. People sometimes claim that it is "less limiting" because social work licenses are more marketable than psychology licenses, not because psychology is less employable.
After earning a bachelor's degree, you may be worried about how you'll sustain yourself. This is a common emotional issue for many students. In truth, a lot of psychology majors do not immediately find jobs as "psychologists" following their bachelor's degree, and that is acceptable. While applying to or enrolled in graduate school, many hold positions such as mental health aide, research assistant, case manager, youth worker, school support staff, or behavioral health technician. These positions are useful, help students build their resumes, and can often be flexible, even though they don't necessarily pay very much.
The order in which you make your decisions is what counts most. A smart plan looks like this:
- Major in psychology (or a closely related field) for your bachelor’s degree
- Get hands-on experience working with people during college
- Use that experience to clarify whether you prefer clinical depth (psychologist) or applied, flexible practice (LCSW)
- Choose graduate school after you’ve tested the work, not just imagined it
Regarding finances and debts, you're smart to plan ahead. Some graduate programs in psychology are competitive and costly, but many social work programs provide more paid placements, employer tuition assistance, or more transparent sources of finance. When the time comes, you should carefully compare programs, but that doesn't mean psychology is "wrong."
Also, becoming an LCSW doesn't cancel out your love for psychology. With a strong foundation in psychological theory, many LCSWs provide treatment on a daily basis. The main difference lies in the structure of training and licensing, not in caring about the mind.
This is the one mindset shift I want you to take away: your first degree is for exploring, not making a commitment. You are taking responsibility for your actions; you are not falling behind or being naïve by worrying.
You're asking the same questions that thoughtful experts had before selecting this area of study. Step by step, get experience in addition to your education, and have faith that clarity will come from action rather than from making all the decisions at once. You’re on a solid path.
Best wishes!